Project Manager – Nature-based Solutions (NbS)

El Bichólogo; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual leave

Organisational benefits

Hybrid working policy

Job summary

Norfolk FWAG and FWAG East are seeking two experienced Project Managers to lead an ambitious Nature-based Solutions (NbS) programme across the East of England, funded by Anglian Water. Roles cover design, funding, procurement and delivery, with potential line-management responsibilities and regular travel to farms and project sites.

These fixed-term posts are funded for two years with potential extension and possible permanent employment on success.

Qualifications

• Degree(s) in environmental science, ecology, hydrology, agriculture or related field.
• Masters degree in hydrology or related field is desirable.
• Strong delivery experience with Nature-based Solutions capital works.

Responsibilities

• Lead NbS projects from feasibility to delivery, including funding and procurement.
• Develop and source match funding for NbS projects across priority catchments.
• Collaborate with farmers and landowners to identify practical NbS interventions.
• Provide reporting to Anglian Water and partners on progress and outcomes.
• Mentor colleagues and share technical knowledge where appropriate.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Education

Degree in environmental science, ecology, hydrology, agriculture or related field

Masters degree in hydrology or related field

Tools

Land App

QGIS

SCALGO

Job description

About the Role(s)

Norfolk FWAG (Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group) is seeking two experienced and highly motivated Project Managers to join the Norfolk FWAG and FWAG East teams to lead the development and delivery of an ambitious programme of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) across the East of England.

This multi-year project is funded through Anglian Water’s ‘Partnership Centre of Excellence’. Initially for a fixed-term of 2 years, with a further year’s funding extension following strong performance. Possible permanent employment will be considered upon extended project success.

Working in close partnership with Anglian Water, the roles will contribute to its A-WINEP programme, which aims to design, match-fund and deliver £11 million of projects across 11 priority catchments in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. The roles represent a critical requirement for achieving this ambition by further developing and sourcing match funding for Norfolk FWAG and FWAG East’s pipeline of ‘shovel-ready’ projects across the East of England as well as the scoping up and developing of new projects for the Catchment Regeneration Fund.

These roles will act as the centre point of a strategic partnership between Norfolk FWAG, FWAG East and Anglian Water, with the roles containing line-management responsibilities, strategic and financial foresight, as well as a strong understanding and track record of designing and implementing Nature-based Solutions projects with farmers and landowners.

About Norfolk FWAG

Situated at the Norfolk Showground, Norfolk FWAG is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity. We are a membership organisation representing more than 300 farmers and are guided by a voluntary Board of Trustees.

Our vision is for Norfolk to become an exemplar of how thriving farm businesses and environmental recovery can be achieved together. We help farmers and landowners future-proof their businesses and landscapes through practical, independent environmental advice.

Farmers and land managers face increasing challenges in balancing productive agriculture with water management, biodiversity, climate resilience and changing agricultural policy. Demand for Norfolk FWAG’s expertise is growing, and we are expanding our multidisciplinary team to meet that need.

About FWAG East

Based at the Cokenach Estate in North Hertfordshire, FWAG East is an independent farm environment advisory organisation working across Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. We help farmers and land managers develop profitable, resilient farm businesses while protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in farm ecology, regenerative agriculture, soils and water, wetland and habitat creation, agri-environment schemes and landscape-scale project delivery. We combine technical expertise with a practical understanding of farming, providing independent advice tailored to individual farms and landscapes.

Alongside one-to-one farm advice, FWAG East works with farmers, water companies, government agencies and other partners to deliver catchment and landscape-scale environmental projects, including farmer clusters, water-quality initiatives, habitat creation and nature recovery projects. Our approach is collaborative and farmer-focused, developing solutions that deliver measurable environmental benefits while recognising the commercial realities of farming.

Key Responsibilities

As a Project Manager – Nature-based Solutions, you will lead projects from initial feasibility and design through funding, procurement and delivery, to monitoring and evaluation. You will:

• Develop an existing pipeline of NbS projects into fully designed, costed, funded and delivery-ready schemes.
• Identify and develop new project opportunities across the 11 A-WINEP priority catchments.
• Work directly with farmers and landowners to identify practical NbS interventions appropriate to their land and businesses.
• Undertake feasibility assessments and site walkovers, drawing on mapping, modelling, satellite data and technical reports.
• Provide practical advice on Nature-based Solutions, Natural Flood Management and water stewardship.
• Prepare project designs, implementation plans, budgets and funding applications.
• Identify and secure match funding and complementary funding opportunities.
• Manage the procurement and coordination of contractors delivering capital works.
• Oversee project implementation, ensuring projects are delivered effectively, safely and within budget.
• Coordinate monitoring and evaluation to assess project and site performance following implementation.
• Maintain strong working relationships with Anglian Water and other project partners and provide clear, timely progress reporting.
• Participate in Anglian Water’s NbS technical working group, sharing successes, barriers, opportunities and lessons from delivery.
• Build relationships with existing catchment partnerships and other initiatives with complementary objectives.
• Support and develop colleagues by sharing technical knowledge and practical experience.
• Use GIS and modelling tools including Land App, QGIS and, where appropriate, SCALGO.
• The roles may include line-management responsibilities.

Person Specification

• Degree in environmental science, ecology, hydrology, agriculture or a related field.
• Proven experience of delivery of NbS capital works from design to implementation.
• Strong understanding of Nature-based Solutions and their interaction with farming and land management.
• A good understanding of agriculture and the commercial and environmental challenges facing farm businesses.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools for data analysis and reporting (e.g. Landapp, QGIS, etc).
• Experience or understanding of permissions and consents associated with Natural Flood Management and related works.
• Experience and demonstration of line management and personable skills.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences.
• A genuine interest in sustainable agriculture, water management and environmental recovery.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly to farms and project sites.
• Masters degree in hydrology or a related field.
• An understanding of Natural Capital markets including BNG and Nutrient Neutrality.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify practical solutions.
• Background in and familiarity with using monitoring equipment to aid feasibility and ongoing monitoring.
• Experience of organising and hosting farm walks and knowledge sharing events.
• Experience of SCALGO or similar hydrological modelling software.

Salary & Benefits

• £40,000 per annum. This salary is fixed within the project funding.
• Competitive annual leave and organisational benefits.

Hybrid Working Policy & Travel

• Norfolk FWAG and FWAG East both operate a hybrid working policy.
• Norfolk FWAG offices are situated on the Royal Norfolk Showground, NR5 0TT.
• The FWAG East office is situated on the Cokenach Estate, Barkway, Herts SG8 8DL.
• The role requires regular travel to farms, project sites and meetings across Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
• Both organisations also hold occasional events outside normal working hours, particularly evening farmer meetings and events. Attendance may occasionally be required depending upon the nature of the event.